As for (1), yeah they are higher compression. What octane to use is really up to you. If you use 89, and the engine is pinging, switch to 91. If it's still pinging, switch to 93.
Bottom line is that the higher the compression, the hotter the engine runs, and the more susceptible it is to pinging (knocking). Higher octane gas has a higher combustion temperature (temp at which it ignites), which will reduce or prevent this. Viggy On Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 3:03 PM, Javier Garcia <[email protected]> wrote: > I am sure there will be much better comments than mine coming soon, but: > > 1. I know for a fact that sport bikes have engines with higher compression > than standard, such as NH. So I guess the real question is what is the > actual value considered high compression such as you actually need to run > high octane gas. 10:1? 11:1? > > 2. I have heard this before, from a very experienced and trusty mechanic. > I was shocked when he told me "Oh, you shouldn't used Seafoam ever, you > don't want to know the problems I have found in many bikes because of > that". I have personally used it in 4 bikes, always with good results. Most > of the people here claim it cures AIDS, boldness and erectile dysfunction. > Maybe people said they used Seafoam but they are actually using something > else? Could be the way they have used it? > > 3. I know for a fact Seafoam DOES mitigate (at least) problems with dirty > carbs. I used first on my cbr1000f. It was running crappy when I got it. No > much power, had to rev it a lot just to start. I started using seafoam with > fresh gas and I could feel the difference in a couple of tanks. I did > eventually when through the carbs, replace plugs, etc. Later I used on my > GL1200. The bike had being parked for more than 2 years (probably way more > than that). Same story. It did helped a lot. Does it takes all the junk out > of the carbs? no, I don't think so. Because removing the carbs on the GL is > such a pain, I applied a trick I learn on the forums. Drain the bowls, > disconnect the fuel line that goes from the pump to the carbs, and filled > it with Yamaha Carb Cleaner (got it on a motorcycle dealership). With the > kill switch off, set the ignition on and crack the engine for about 5 > seconds (do make sure to have the kill switch off!). Let it seat for a > couple of hours. Drain the bowls again, connect everything, and enjoy. > > Javier. > > > On Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 4:39 PM, EGrider <[email protected]> wrote: > >> I just got back from the local motorcycle dealer. Although I was just >> there to pick up an air cleaner I had ordered on the phone, I asked >> the guy at the parts counter a few questions. Some of his comments >> went against some things I'd heard before, so I wondered what you guys >> thought. >> >> 1. All motorcycles have high compression engines and should be run on >> high octane gas. (I've tried 89, 91, and 93 octane gas and can't tell >> any difference in performance, although I seem to get better mileage >> on high octane.) >> >> 2. Sea foam should not be used in motorcycles. It will >> "crystallize" (his word) in the bowls and cause problems. (Hmm, how >> does Sea Foam ascertain the type of vehicle it's in?) >> >> 3. Products such as Startron or Sea Foam will prevent problems but >> will not solve (how about mitigate, I wonder?) any existing problems. >> If jets are partially clogged, they will have to be cleaned >> physically. >> >> Your reactions? >> >> I was actually asking him what he suggested I try next if the new air >> cleaner doesn't change anything. I have a 1984 V30 Magna that I picked >> up at Christmas. It runs fine from light to light, but if I get on a >> freeway on-ramp and hit the throttle it kind of "lunges" and >> hesitates. Acceleration is not smooth. It's not a big problem, but >> it's a kind of an irritation. So far I've put in new NGK plugs and >> today it's the air cleaner. >> >> Are the main jets next, cleaned physically? Any advice from the more >> experienced would be appreciated. >> >> Glenn >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> [email protected]. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en. >> >> > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
